Join the Jisc cyber threat intelligence team as they unpack the rise of ClickFix and its new variant, FileFix. Quick Takes is our new short-form Tech Takes series, created to provide you with critical threat intelligence in minutes. In this first episode, we explore ClickFix, a deceptive social engineering technique that tricks users into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful files. ClickFix has rapidly become one of the major cyber threats facing organisations worldwide and a new variant, FileFix, is gaining momentum. In this episode of Quick Takes, George Bloor from Jisc’s cyber threat intelligence team is joined by colleagues Clive Bream and James Ellor to unpack how these techniques work, why they’re effective, and what organisations can do to defend themselves. Show notes Get the latest threat intelligence and connect with peers in our cyber security community group. Explore our cyber security products and services Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you. Episode guest Clive Bream – Cyber threat intelligence analyst James Ellor – Cyber threat intelligence analyst Episode Host George Bloor – Senior cyber threat intelligence analyst
Join Jorgen Qvist, chief operating officer at NORDUnet, to explore Polar Connect, the visionary initiative led by NORDUnet and Nordic NRENs to establish a resilient, trans-Arctic submarine cable linking Europe and Asia by 2030. In this podcast recorded live at Networkshop 2025, learn more about how this route, traversing the High Arctic, complements the Far North Fibre system and offers a sovereign, secure alternative to traditional, congested paths through the Suez Canal, Russia, or North America. In addition to digital connectivity, explore how Polar Connect integrates advanced sensing technologies (eg DAS and SMART sensors), enabling real-time data collection for Arctic climate research, marine biology, and seismology. The initiative promises substantial societal benefits - enhancing digital sovereignty, resilience, and scientific discovery - while supporting sustainable infrastructure powered by Nordic green energy. Discover how the harsh Arctic environment presents logistical and technical challenges, requiring ice-class vessels, phased implementation, and public-private investment models. Polar Connect is supported under the EU’s CEF Digital programme and aligns with broader strategies for European digital autonomy and global data infrastructure resilience. Show notes Learn more about Polar Conect Explore our connectivity products and services Join our Networkshop community group Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you.
Join Sebastiano Buscaglione, senior network architect at GÉANT, for an overview of how GÉANT, and in particular the GÉANT network infrastructure, supports collaboration within the research and education community on a global scale. In this podcast recorded live at Networkshop 2025, learn more about how the GÉANT network underwent significant changes, transitioning toward an infrastructure ownership model for its pan-European footprint. Now, building on the success of this project, GÉANT is applying the same model to its intercontinental connectivity. European NRENs (including Janet) are connected via GÉANT, a regional education and research network (RREN) which links 50 million users worldwide, creating a global network mesh that forms a collaborative information ecosystem of infrastructure and services. With an increasingly tightening global security environment, ownership and control of critical infrastructure are becoming ever more important. In this context, the model applied by GÉANT is becoming ever more relevant. This episode is targeted at network and IT professionals in the REN sector interested in gaining a deeper understanding of where the regional and global REN network is now and will be in the near future, why this is important, and how it supports the research and education sector. Show notes Learn more about GÉANT Explore our connectivity products and services Join our Networkshop community group Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you.
Join Steve Howard, head of product, and Darren Jones, cyber solutions consultant, for a deep dive into Jisc's Cyber security threat monitoring (CSTM) service. Learn how CSTM helps organisations improve visibility across their infrastructure by consolidating key security data into a single, easy-to-use dashboard, all closely monitored by Jisc’s security analysts. We also explore how CSTM integrates with existing systems, from servers and firewalls to cloud platforms and EDR tools, and discuss the benefits of its UK-hosted, cloud-native platform. We also outline how detection rules are continually updated to keep pace with evolving threats, and give a glimpse into future enhancements, including integrations with Jisc’s wider SOC and new use cases to help members get even more value from their security data. Learn more about CSTM on jisc.ac.uk Explore our new Security operations centre service (SOC) Join our cyber security community group today
George Oosthuizen chats to Rupa Dey about QMUL’s initiatives as part of their ‘Digital Workplace Programme.’ Their vision is to provide secure Wi-Fi connectivity “anytime, anyplace, anywhere,” from lifts to VIP suites, sports fields to overseas sites. Discover how implementing tools, such as extending eduroam, transforms the campus experience. In just under 30 minutes you’ll find out tips and tricks, as well as lessons learnt, that you can use in your organisation’s digital transformation and connectivity journey. Show notes Find out more about extending eduroam Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, which has all the latest news, guidance and events tailored to you
Discover what it means to be connected to one of the most advanced research and education networks in the world. In this Jisc explainer’s episode of Tech Takes, we dive into the incredible capabilities of the Janet Network with two of Jisc’s network experts: Emma Taylor, head of delivery, and Neil Shewry, director of networks. Learn about the benefits of being part of a National Research and Education Network (NREN) and how the Janet Network supports members across the United Kingdom. Show notes Learn more about the power of the Janet Network Book your place at Networkshop 2025 Find out more and register for TNC 2025 Join our cyber and cloud community groups Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, which has all the latest news, guidance and events tailored to you
Director of AI at Jisc, Michael Webb, leads a panel of experts to explore the use of artificial intelligence within cybersecurity live at Security Conference 2024. With the future of AI in cybersecurity poised for existential growth and innovation, this episode will explore how we navigate this exciting and challenging landscape, how AI will become increasingly integral to cybersecurity strategies, and how we can seize the substantial opportunities it presents to cyber defenders, whilst identifying the risks. Michael Webb is joined by Clare Johnson, ITSUS head of capability and founder of Women in Cyber Wales, Mark Watts, associate director of cyber security at University of Southampton, and Jisc colleague Rebecca Flook, innovation developer in AI. Show notes Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Join our artificial intelligence community to share your expertise and experiences Discover the Women in Cyber Wales community Explore upcoming Jisc events
Exploring how our managed SD-WAN service can help you meet the challenges of blended learning. Join Guy Easterbrook, director of products (networks), Jen Parry, innovation consultant, and Richard Jackson, head of cloud security, as they explain the ins and outs of the managed SD-WAN service in this episode of Jisc explainers, a mini-series of the Tech Takes podcast. You’ll also get a sneak peek into what you can expect in the upcoming iterations of the service. Show notes Interested in how managed SD-WAN can help you? Contact your relationship manager or make a customer enquiry Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, which has all the latest news, guidance and events tailored to you
James Hodgkin and Jim Keane discuss what the future holds for learning analytics in education. In this episode of Jisc explainers, a mini-series of the Tech takes podcast, Jisc’s James Hodgkin is joined by Jim Keane to discuss learning analytics. Both our presenters discuss their experiences of working in learning analytics and both deploying and building a new platform. They discuss how the data collected can help staff detect early signs of issues, allowing for timely interventions. The conversation moves on to reflect on Jisc’s role in assisting institutions in setting up effective learning analytics systems, and considers what the future holds for using data to support student wellbeing and success. Show notes Enhance your students’ experience and get the insights to make data-led interventions with Jisc Learn more about the data analytics services offered by Jisc
Hear from our members at Networkshop 2024 to learn how they approach challenges, industry trends and prepare for the future. At this year’s Networkshop, we interviewed attendees from Northampton College, Loughborough University, the University of Leeds, SOAS University of London, and UCLAN. We first asked our members why they attend Jisc events such as Networkshop and the key benefits of attending. It was clear that learning about key challenges and trends within the industry is a significant factor for our members. We asked our interviewees which trends specifically interest them and why. We then discussed the Janet network and asked how it empowers their students and staff. Next, we asked our members to discuss their key challenges, with the common responses being around capacity and cyber security. Considering these challenges and current trends, we also asked our interviewees to look into the future and predict what trends and challenges we will be discussing in the years ahead. Show Notes Discover the connectivity services showcased at Networkshop Check out our digital brochure for next generation networking Book your place for Security Conference 2024 this November Episode Host Joe Allan Marketing and communications officer
We chat with Alex Goffe, director of campus technology services at the University of Manchester, about their 2030 network vision and recently established IT operations centre (ITOC). Alex talks about network challenges they faced at the university and how they're tackling those issues. From implementing user experience insights sensors to establishing the ITOC, a 24/7 monitoring centre that provides comprehensive support. He also shares insights into what has worked well for those looking at implementing similar initiatives. We then look ahead to their network 2030 vision, aimed at further improving the university's network infrastructure.
In our very first episode of this new limited podcast series, Jisc Explainers, we’re diving into Jisc's session border controller service. Host, Michael McFarlane, deputy director, network operations, is joined by Sam Neate, voice solutions engineer, to explain what our session border controller service entails. Sam talks us through how the session border controller works, and why it’s needed; from getting you ready for the big analogue switch-off in 2025 to transforming your telephony. What is Jisc Explainers? A new limited edition podcast series designed to explain complex Jisc products and services in a comprehensive and easy to understand way.
We’re joined by Matthew Cranfield, Head of IT at Croydon College, to discuss their journey through cyber essentials certification. Matthew explains Croydon College’s reasoning for acquiring cyber essentials certification and explores the challenges faced along the way. Cyber essentials are vital to ensure security precautions are in place and critical for reputation and compliance. Matthew discusses how the guidance and advice Jisc provided aided Croydon College during the process of achieving certification. He moves on to reflect on what he and Croydon College have learnt as part of the cyber essentials process and what is next for the college.
During this episode of the Tech takes podcast, we chat with Jason Oliver, Director of IT, and Claire Gryce, Deputy Director of IT, both of the University of Sussex. Jason and Claire explore the relationship and challenges that exist between research communities and the provision of IT services centrally. They also delve into the importance of developing a culture around digital transformation. We then move into discussing how digital was key for collaboration during the pandemic and how necessary digital skills are. Together they conclude by discussing staff retention and recruitment, as well as the impact and challenges that exist around cyber security.
In this episode, host Andy Powell chats with Dimitra Simeonidou, Professor at the University of Bristol, co-director of the Bristol Digital Futures Institute and director of Smart Internet Lab, about the future of 5G and 6G connectivity. Dimitra explains how 5G has caused digital transformation and revolution, and how 6G will enable great advances such as smart cities and kick off another generation of innovation. She also considers ethics and digital accountability, and how we need to innovate responsibly for the future. We also delve into areas such as the Metaverse and immersive living, and how this could impact our future. We conclude with a look into the near future with smart cities, smart universities, and smart campuses and how infrastructure is key to offer end users the many benefits these innovations can provide.
In this episode, host Andy Powell chats with Simon Hewitt, Principal at Dundee & Angus College, about how they responded to a ransomware attack. Simon talks through the devastating effects a ransomware attack had on his college, why it was able to happen, and what Dundee & Angus have put in place to deal with ransomware attacks in the future. He also discusses the impact the attack had on staff and how the experience has brought the team closer together. We also consider how the attack was in some ways a blessing in disguise, as through developing a whole new system, Dundee & Angus College were in a much better place to deal with the pandemic.